A British man has drowned off the coast of Malta, in the same spot where two British tourists died less than a month ago.
The 59-year-old, who has not yet been named, got into trouble in Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon about 2.30pm on Sunday. The man was taken by helicopter to the nearby Gozo general hospital, where he later died.
Etienne Micalles, secretary general of the emergency response rescue corps said: “The man was outside of the Blue Lagoon when bystanders reported to the lifeguard station that there was a person in the water who appeared to be immobile.”
The Red Cross chief lifeguard, Robert Brincau, said double-red flags were hoisted by lifeguards on Sunday, indicating that because of rough conditions the beach was dangerous for swimming.
Brincau urged all bathers to abide by the instructions given by lifeguards, who advise people that swimming under double-red flag conditions was a risk to their lives.
Last month two British men, both 35, drowned while swimming in the same area.
Micalles said the lagoon’s crystal blue waters meant it attracted large numbers of tourists. “It’s not that the area is dangerous, but the issue is it’s very popular,” he said. “The more people who frequent the area more chance of an incidence.”
A spokeswoman for the foreign office confirmed the death and said, “We stand ready to provide consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.”
